HEARING VOICES

As one who has actively arranged vocal music for more than four decades, I have chosen to teach music by rote. This method remains my choice, much to the dismay of countless musicians who learn to sing and perform exclusively from sheet music. Originally employed as a means of convenience, this teaching/learning "by ear" process has served to sharpen the musical skills of many devotees. I speak from experience, having worked with some of the most amazing vocalists on the planet - - with a video example below.

Our singing weekends for churches, known as Praise & Harmony Workshops, are based upon the principle that ear-training is a powerful way to teach entire churches, especially beginners, how to sing in harmony. Ear-training CDs have become essential for this purpose, as well as arranging everyone into voice parts -- sitting in sections while learning to harmonize. We regularly witness stunning results as churches greatly improve their congregational singing. This is a beautiful and rewarding experience!

Here is an example, featuring Acappella, that goes well beyond outstanding learning-by-ear skills. The setting for this video was a rehearsal for a concert in Michigan. On the day this video was shot, Wayburn Dean had never sung "Glory And Honor" before. A few minutes after we asked him to try singing the lead vocal, we handed him the lyrics -- and amazingly, here is what happened:

Wayburn's stellar vocal quality and impressive interpretive skills are totally unique. However, we contend that teaching beginners how to sing harmony is much easier than most musicians understand.

There are churches in which virtually no one can read music, yet their singing abounds in four-part harmony. I am a strong proponent of emphasizing musical literacy while equipping churches (not just a choir) how to read music; but from an early age, my personal experience has been to learn "by ear" first, while tackling the music theory afterwards.

It depends. If singing were an issue of training, technique, vocal range, comfort, or preference, most of us would be wise to keep our mouths shut. The world would be a more pleasant and happier place. Why sing when so many are more gifted and seem to enjoy it more than we do?

Here’s why. Your voice, along with all the other voices in your church, has been redeemed by the Savior. As we sing, he presents our song to the Father for his glory and our joy. “The human voice, given over to Jesus, and found in company with other voices given over similarly, produces a dignified and worthy song from storefront church to cathedral,” says Harold Best. “Singing is not an option for the Christian; no one is excused. Vocal skill is not a criterion.”

No one is excused. Not even those with zero musical ability. The critical question is not Do I have a voice? but Do I have a song? And if you’re a true worshiper, forgiven and reconciled to God through the atoning work of Christ, the answer is a a resounding yes. It’s not a song we originated or created. We can’t add to it, change it, or improve upon it. It’s the song of the redeemed for their great Redeemer.

It’s a song we were never meant to sing alone. And it’s a song God’s people have been singing together for thousands of years. —— Bob Kauflin, author of True Worshipers

Acappella concerts feature such unique combinations of talent, that at any given concert you may find a line-up of vocalists in their 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's, singing the familiar (and new) songs of their world-impacting ministry. The diversity of this pool of talented music ministers is one of the strengths of Acappella. Why not consider booking an Acappella concert for your next fund-raiser or outreach event?

Acappella will be appearing March 5th in Detroit, Michigan. The powerful and talented pool of vocalists that comprise Acappella Ministries is amazingly versatile. Last year, we posted videos that include Ken McCalpin, Brishan Hatcher, Aaron Herman, Robin Brannon and many others.

For the first three concerts of 2016, counting last month's fabulous Singing at Sea, the Acappella roster includes: Anthony Lancaster, Wes McKinzie, George Pendergrass, Robert Guy, Jeremy Swindle, Rodney Britt, Jabbarri Jones, Keith Lancaster, Zach Wilson, Kevin Schaffer, Wayburn Dean, Steve Maxwell and Gary Moyers. God has certainly blessed these men with a desire to share God's message through song.

We are praying that for many decades to come, if the Lord tarries, Acappella will continue ministering through like-minded musicianaries, some yet to be born --- using only their hearts and harmonized voices to spread God's love. Thank you for praying for and sharing this ministry with others!

Of all the post-coverage of the Iowa presidential debates, I was fascinated by an intriguing analysis from two physicians whose commentary focused on the inflections and tones of the human voice. Their discussion centered around a tool that presumably could determine the various stress levels of the human voice while speaking, revealing a more accurate picture of a person's actual thoughts. In fact, one of the specialists made the statement that, "The human voice is like a mirror of the heart."

Immediately, my mind went to the emphasis that God has placed on singing. What does it say about us when our singing is passionless or non-existent? If we do love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul and strength, will not that authenticity be detected in our voices? Yes, the voice is like a mirror of the human heart. He deserves to receive the fruit of our lips, so let's offer him authentic, heart-felt praise!

Author

I believe that the human voice is the greatest instrument of music ever created. Harmonizing hearts and voices in praise to the Creator is the highest calling of mankind. Host a Praise & Harmony Workshop for your church and sponsor leaders to attend the Worship Leader InstitutePraiseAndHarmony.com